Intimate partner violence, HIV status, and sexual risk reduction

This study describes the risk of intimate partner violence for women in a low-income, urban setting and the impact of violence on condom use. Partner-specific data were used to link partner characteristics with the measures of both abuse and condom use. Using the Revised Conflict Tactics Scales (CTS2), we determined annual rates, chronicity, and types of intimate partner violence among 188 HIV-positive and 257 HIV-negative women. Of the total sample, 62% reported experiencing psychological, physical, and/or sexual abuse; 44% experienced frequent abuse (≥13 events); and 29% suffered an injury. Rates did not differ by women's HIV status. Women who experienced frequent abuse were significantly less likely to have used condoms with their intimate partner. Partner characteristics significantly associated with experiencing frequent abuse were his HIV status and substance use. Findings can help inform the development of programs and policies that promote women's health through integrated approaches to intimate partner violence and HIV prevention.